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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> GTG in Wisconsin (Eagles)
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10/17/2007 12:49:05 PM · #1
I know it is a dirty thought, But Winter is not that far off.

At the last GTG we briefly discussed the next GTG and all seemed to agree that shooting Eagles (Perhaps along the Mighty Mississippi)would be very cool.

I have no Clue when the best time of winter is for this or prime locations, so any and everyone who does should come forward with your 2 cents. Then we can round down the date and location and get to planning on meeting places etc.

Are you in?

Oh and so it is on Record. Breakfast!! has now been mentioned.


10/17/2007 01:11:26 PM · #2
Lots here in the winter. It's hard to guess when they will accumulate in numbers though. Usually not until the river freezes over or at least a good snow drives them out of the fields looking for food. I usually see the most when those situations occur together, river is froze up and snow on the ground.
It will be cold. Don't think otherwise. Dress appropriately. Usually when I'm out shooting eagles, it's well below freezing. Sometimes the best time is early spring. Temps are warmer but the river hasn't thawed yet.
10/17/2007 01:19:35 PM · #3
In tentatively in. Who knows what school is going to throw at me around that time. Keep me in the loop though.
10/17/2007 03:57:32 PM · #4
A co-worker of mine (and recent DSLR purchaser) has gone out to view/shoot eagles in the past, and we've talked about making a trip this Winter. I've *intended* to do it for a couple years, but have not followed through for various reasons. I'd like to see this happen, and would be very interested.
10/17/2007 05:21:58 PM · #5
I'm interested in going, but I don't have any suggestions for a place.
10/17/2007 05:26:01 PM · #6
There are usually some active discussions over on DPReview. There are several photogs over there that go out regularly. Some of the locks along the Missippippi are good spots. I here a lot about "lock & Dam 19" which I believe is pretty far south, along the IA-IL border.
10/17/2007 05:49:34 PM · #7
I'm in. Where are we having breakfast?
10/17/2007 06:27:01 PM · #8
Haha, I am sure we will find a place.

Originally posted by strangeghost:

I'm in. Where are we having breakfast?

10/17/2007 09:28:32 PM · #9
Originally posted by strangeghost:

I'm in. Where are we having breakfast?


Wherever it is, as long as they have eggs Benedict, we're set!
10/17/2007 10:00:49 PM · #10
I have heard that Prairie du Sac is also a great place for eagles in Jan and Feb. So count me in for this one no matter were we end up going.(for breakfast)

Message edited by author 2007-10-17 22:01:22.
10/18/2007 01:48:19 AM · #11
Originally posted by kirbic:

There are usually some active discussions over on DPReview. There are several photogs over there that go out regularly. Some of the locks along the Missippippi are good spots. I here a lot about \"lock & Dam 19\" which I believe is pretty far south, along the IA-IL border.


Lock 19 is all the way down in Keokuk on the Iowa Missouri border. With out a doubt one of the best spots. It's about 2-2 1/2 hours south of Dubuque. Lock 10 in Guttenberg is said to have good eagle population during the winter. I've never been up there to see so I wouldn't know where to go. I've seen eagles gathered at Prairie du Chien in various places. I've never been to Lock 9 there though. Lock 12 in Bellevue has good eagle population but it's hard to get a good view of them because of the fence at the Lock. Lock 11 here in Dubuque always has a good population of birds and better than average areas to see them. We also have some Trumpeter swans in the winter. Lots of folk from other areas come here to photograph them. Also across the river from Dubuque is O'Learys. A good place to view eagles also. The lock at Davenport is supposed to be good also but alot of times the birds aren't cooperating and they stay farther out. The river down there is pretty wide.
Just a bit of info in case you're interested.

Message edited by author 2007-10-18 01:58:28.
11/06/2007 10:20:22 AM · #12
Is this idea still being tossed around?
11/06/2007 03:25:55 PM · #13
Yes I believe it is.

My wife and I have been trying to figure out where we can unload our kids for a few days and make a weekend out of it.

Anyone else have some ideas for a date and place. I am up for just about anything, especially if it is an excuse to get away from the house for a day or two during the winter.

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

Is this idea still being tossed around?

11/07/2007 10:42:03 AM · #14
I have been punching cities along the Mississippi into my gps checking drive times etc.. Keokuk is just under 6 hours from here. I think Dubuque would be about as far as my wife would want to travel. Unless she overdoses on Sealegs. If she sleeps the entire time we are on the road. I can listen to the music I like and drive the way I want. lol So perhaps we can go further. But I would be interested in having Dave Show us around Dubuque for a day. Providing he is willing and able?

We would probably book a hotel and drive down the night before.


When? What month provides best chance at getting shots of the birds?
I know December is a bad month for everyone with all the xmas hoopla going on. But maybe we can get lucky and all have the same time free.

Otherwise Jan is the month with nothing to do a bit cold. But I always look at it like this, If you live in Wisconsin. Going anywhere south during the winter is an improvement.
11/07/2007 12:11:35 PM · #15
I think I might be able to attend this party, as I don't believe there will be a rodeo scheduled during that time frame.
11/08/2007 05:03:21 PM · #16
Originally posted by Bugzeye:

But I would be interested in having Dave Show us around Dubuque for a day. Providing he is willing and able?

We would probably book a hotel and drive down the night before.

Otherwise Jan is the month with nothing to do a bit cold. But I always look at it like this, If you live in Wisconsin. Going anywhere south during the winter is an improvement.


January is probably better than Dec. All depends on the birds. As of now I have nothing goin on. Not sure how much sight-seeing people are gonna want to do when it's 15 degrees out. I spend more time in my truck than I do outside LOL. We'll see.
11/08/2007 05:14:00 PM · #17
Maybe we could take the Tavern Tour. lol

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

But I would be interested in having Dave Show us around Dubuque for a day. Providing he is willing and able?

We would probably book a hotel and drive down the night before.

Otherwise Jan is the month with nothing to do a bit cold. But I always look at it like this, If you live in Wisconsin. Going anywhere south during the winter is an improvement.


January is probably better than Dec. All depends on the birds. As of now I have nothing goin on. Not sure how much sight-seeing people are gonna want to do when it's 15 degrees out. I spend more time in my truck than I do outside LOL. We'll see.

11/08/2007 05:23:18 PM · #18
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

Not sure how much sight-seeing people are gonna want to do when it's 15 degrees out. I spend more time in my truck than I do outside LOL. We'll see.


Depends whether it's +15°F or -15°F ;-)
11/08/2007 05:31:30 PM · #19
Wimps. If it's minus 15, I might have to bring a light jacket.
11/08/2007 05:46:09 PM · #20
It isn't the minus 15 degrees that bothers me. It is that minus 40 degree windchill that kicks my butt. That is when it is time to find a bar with a nice pool table and cute bar maids. lol
11/09/2007 11:01:29 AM · #21
It's up to ya'll. Like I stated in a previous post, early spring is good also and the temps are a little better. Once the eagles get here they usually stay until the river is thawed.
12/08/2007 05:53:38 PM · #22
They are showing up slowly. I saw a few sitting out on the ice Thursday here in Dubuque. Today I was up in Prairie du Chien and saw a few also. I checked the dam in Guttenburg on the way home and didn't see any.
12/08/2007 06:14:56 PM · #23
You make the call Dave. I'll come whatever Saturday or Sunday you think is a good idea.
12/08/2007 07:47:29 PM · #24
I was informed today, I will likely have the week of Xmas off. Anyone up for it late that week, or weekend? We'll have to have lunch this time, I owe strangeghost that.
12/08/2007 08:29:38 PM · #25
Originally posted by Ironworker:

I was informed today, I will likely have the week of Xmas off. Anyone up for it late that week, or weekend? We'll have to have lunch this time, I owe strangeghost that.

We're going to be out of town from the 24th through the 28th, but back Friday night, and available either weekend.
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